Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The EU nature restoration law, part of the European Green Deal, requires Ireland to rewet large areas of land, posing a threat to small farmers and food security. The law lacks measures to protect farmers and their livelihoods. It will drastically alter land use and agriculture in Ireland, impacting on productive agricultural lands, especially areas with extensive wetlands. The law targets 20% of each EU member state's land area, potentially affecting 1.38 million ha in Ireland. The recent EU elections have highlighted the growing fatigue towards policies that impact on agriculture. Having canvassed and met farmers, I know they are absolutely furious at the way they have had the finger pointed at them for everything that goes wrong in respect of our environment. They are not the biggest culprits here. Small farmers are going to lose out most here, but pro-farming parties now hold more seats than the Green Party in the European Parliament. The farmers' revolt has affected most EU member states, fuelled by escalating production costs and environmental restrictions. Europe's struggles have created opportunities for American producers and that is what we are facing in this country.

See this speech in context